How to Change a Name by Use
- 1). Begin using the new name as if it had been yours all along. Introduce yourself by it and have all family, friends and co-workers refer to you with it. Some states have laws that allow a name change simply by "open and notorious" use. Often, a woman cohabitating with a man will begin to use his last name even though they never formally marry. Limitations do exist, however, as you generally are not allowed to use symbols or numbers as a name, you may not infringe on someone else's rights by taking their name with the intent of profiting from its use nor may you use an obscene name.
- 2). Execute and have notarized an affidavit setting out both the old and new names and the date you began using the new name. The affidavit may be required by various entities, both governmental and otherwise, as you attempt to register the change.
- 3). Visit the office of your local Social Security Administration and provide the notarized affidavit along with other forms of identification reflecting your new name. According to Social Security Online, acceptable documents to change your name include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization or court order. In addition, the site states that if your name changed more than two years prior to applying for a new social security card, you will need to provide identification in both your old and new names. Check with your local Social Security office to determine if a name change affidavit is acceptable. If the Social Security office refuses to accept the name change affidavit along with identification provided, it may be necessary to petition the court for a formal name change decree.
- 4). Visit your state's department of motor vehicles to acquire a driver's license in your new name, if you had one in your old name. Your DMV visit should be made after your name has been changed with the Social Security Administration, as many DMVs verify their information with the Social Security Administration and your driver's license may not be timely issued if the information doesn't match.
- 5). Contact other entities such as utility companies, the post office, doctor's offices, banks and all others with which you transact business to provide your new name. The list may seem exhaustive, but these changes will be required to complete the transition from your old name.